Installation directory

Synchronet v3.20d-Win32 (install) has been released (Mar-2025).

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====== Installation directory ======

The installation directory is the parent directory of your entire BBS.  All of the [[dir:index|directories]] are created in here.

===== Discussion =====

The Synchronet BBS system and all the associated tools will default to a path of /sbbs without further configuration.  Because of this, it is easiest if this is either a [[glossary:symlink]] to or the actual directory where Synchronet is installed.  In the recommended configuration where there is a user created specifically to run the BBS, it is best if Synchronet is installed to the home directory of that user and a symlink is created pointing to that home directory.  For example:
  * ''useradd -m -n sbbs'' will create a user and group each named "sbbs" and create a home directory for it.
  * ''ln -s ~sbbs /'' will create a symlink from /sbbs to the home directory of the sbbs user (most likely /home/sbbs). 

===== Common Errors =====

  mkdir: cannot create directory `/sbbs': Permission denied
  ln: creating symbolic link `/home/~sbbs' to `~sbbs': Permission denied
  useradd: unable to lock password file
You do not have permissions to perform the specified action.
  * Generally, only root can add users and modify the / directory.  If you //are// the administrator, prefix the command line with ''sudo'' ie: ''sudo mkdir /sbbs''
  * Ask your system administrator to create a new directory/symlink/user for you.
  * Use a subdirectory of your home directory to install Synchronet.

<code>-bash: useradd: command not found</code>
There are a few possibliities here:
  - You do not have the correct search path.
    * System administration tools generally live in /usr/sbin or /usb/bin which is not in the default paths for normal users.  You can specify the full path ''/usr/sbin/useradd -m -n sbbs'' or modify your PATH as needed.
  - Your operating system does not include a ''useradd'' utility.
    * Check your documentation for the correct way to add a new user.
  - You do not have permissions to add/delete users.
    * Generally, only root can add users.  If you are the administrator, prefix the command line with ''sudo'' 

  sudo useraded -m -n sbbs

  * Ask your system administrator to create a new user for you.
  * Use a subdirectory of your home directory to install Synchronet.

===== See Also =====
  * [[:install:nix:|install:nix index]]

Trace: • New Config Files (introduced in v3.20) • New Filebase (introduced in v3.19) • New Userbase (introduced in v3.20) • Options • FEdit • Install Message Editors • BREdit • campaign • SlyVote • Access Requirements